You are just the kind of person I want to spread the good news to. I was "discovered" in December '09, and went through months of trying to decide how to handle my case. I am a 60 year old man. I decided to have the translab surgery which is the S shape behind the ear. You will loose your hearing in that ear. I read ALL of the stuff you have read, seen ALL of the you-tube stuff you have seen, and heard ALL the same stuff you have heard. I just had my surgery March 24th, and it was not that bad.
Little back ground here. Had a stroke in April '09 caused by a hole in my heart and had a PFO closure surgery on my heart in May '09 to close the hole. Sound sick, right! Before the stroke I was getting dizzy all the time, and just guessed the heart problem was causing me to have TAs. After the stroke and surgery, my dizzy spells quit so I figured I was cured. I am in excellent physical health, lift weights every day, blood chemistry is perfect, eat the right foods, etc. I am not a sick man! December '09 I start getting dizzy again, think I'm having another stroke. I get an MRI, and they find the AN. That is how I got here, and now you are here.
I went into surgery at 7:30 in the morning and came out at 5:30 in the afternoon. I threw up twice in the recovery room, and that is when I found out that my facial muscles were in good working condition...good news! This is a real key in my recovery...look for the good stuff. My wife got to see me right after they cleaned me up...good stuff. They kept me drugged up so there was no pain...good stuff. They gave me a bath in the morning...good stuff. Full breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice, biscuit, milk and coffee...good stuff. My wife came in...couldn't get any better. Physical therapy came in, tied me up with a canvas belt and took me for a walk. Now she made me mad because she thought I was walking too slow, but this was just 12 hours after I got out of surgery...but it was good stuff. By noon I was in my regular room...good stuff.
I told my wife and daughter not to hang out at the hospital because I did not want to talk to anyone. I just wanted to rest. I got bored. So I set some goals for myself. The doctor said I could go home when I can walk by myself, and keep food down. I went on several walks. 3 doors down the hall and back in bed. 10 doors, in bed. Walk without a holding onto the hand rail. Order some food. Now my surgery was Wednesday, and on Friday, the doctor said I can go home Saturday morning...good stuff.
The worst part was not pain. At first, I thought I was in pain, but looking back, I was just really uncomfortable. Blood pressure cuff on too tight, could hear my heart in my left ear, by bottom is sore, my right toe itches, my mouth is pasty, I want to brush my teeth, I want to sit up, now I want to lie down...bad stuff. This is not a day at the beach, but no pain.
Tomorrow is 2 weeks post. I lost about 10 pounds, but I am gaining it back. I cannot lift over 10 pounds for another 2 weeks. I got the stitches out yesterday. I started wearing my glasses 5 days after surgery, but my vision is a little fuzzy. I spent the first two days back home in bed, getting up to walk a little and use the rest room. I did not have a BM for 7 days...not good stuff. Used an enema...good stuff. Now I am up all day long, reading, TV, etc. Later in the afternoon I get tired, just like someone turned off my switch, so I take a nap.
My out come has been great, but you asked about the surgery, so that is what I wanted to comment about. Get yourself in a "I'm ready to do this" mood. Look forward to ALL of the good that is going to happen to you, and I mean even enjoy the small stuff. I have been all over the world, and seen people drinking dirty water, eating out of trash cans...worst of the worst. Every day, I get a clean glass of water and drink it, and think how lucky I am, for a glass of clean water...good stuff.
Excellent physical health is a big PLUS...good stuff. Over weight can cause problems...bad stuff. Positive attitude can actually make this a good experience...good stuff.
